15 Best Things to Do in Kihei, Maui
Kihei is not just a base camp. It is one of the most activity-dense corners of Maui, with some of the best snorkeling, ocean access, and day-trip infrastructure on the island. Here are the 15 things actually worth your time -- ranked by what you get, not what a billboard says.
On the Water
1. Snorkel the reef at Maui Sands Seaside
If you are staying at unit 711, the reef off the lawn is your first stop. Walk down, gear up, and you are in. No drive, no parking, no fee. Best in the morning when the water is calm and clear. See our full snorkeling guide for what to expect underwater.
2. Molokini Crater boat snorkel
A submerged volcanic crater twelve miles offshore with 150-foot visibility on good days. Book the early departure from Maalaea Harbor -- the 6:30 or 7:00 a.m. boats arrive before the afternoon crowd and in the calmest water. Most operators include gear, wetsuits, and breakfast.
3. Kayak to a sea turtle spot
Rentals are available at several points along South Kihei. Paddle south toward the Makena area and into the water around Turtle Town (off Maluaka Beach) where Hawaiian green sea turtles regularly feed on the coral. Stay ten feet back and let them be.
4. Stand-up paddleboard at sunrise
The water off Kihei is glassy in the early morning. Rental shops along South Kihei Road open by 7 a.m. and will set you up. A sunrise paddle with no one else on the water and humpbacks blowing in the distance is a Maui experience that costs under $40.
5. Whale watch boat tour (Dec through April)
Shore watching is excellent in season, but being on the water changes the experience. Pacific Whale Foundation and Trilogy both run responsible whale watches out of Maalaea Harbor. Two hours, naturalist narration, and the chance to hear a humpback song through the hull. See our complete whale season guide.
Your base for all of it
Unit 711 at Maui Sands Seaside is perfectly positioned for South Maui -- reef off the lawn, Kamaole beaches five minutes away, Maalaea Harbor for Molokini fifteen minutes north.
Check availabilityOn Land
6. Walk the Kamaole Beach parks
A connected walking path runs through all three Kamaole parks along South Kihei Road. Walk it at low tide, stop at the rocky points to watch fish in the tide pools, and grab a shave ice at one of the stands near Kamaole I. Takes about 45 minutes at a relaxed pace.
7. Catch sunrise at Keawakapu Beach
The east-facing hillside catches the first light, but the beach itself at Keawakapu is quiet and beautiful before 7 a.m. Bring coffee from the unit and walk the sand before anyone else arrives. In whale season, look offshore -- you will spot blows from the beach.
8. Drive to Makena (Big Beach)
Fifteen minutes south of Kihei, Makena State Park holds the most dramatic beach on the south shore. Wide, steep golden sand, no development, and body-surfing on the shorebreak when conditions allow. Go early for parking. Wear reef-safe sunscreen and be aware the shore break can be powerful.
9. Visit the Maui Swap Meet
Every Saturday at the University of Hawaii Maui College parking lot in Kahului. Local produce, hand-made items, fresh poke, and fruit that costs a fraction of what you pay at grocery stores. Worth the 20-minute drive if you have a kitchen to cook in.
10. Sunset from the Kihei boat ramp
The public boat ramp at the north end of Kihei gives a clean western view with no buildings blocking the horizon. Show up thirty minutes before sunset. In winter, you will be watching whales breach against the orange light.
Day Trips from Kihei
11. Road to Hana
The most famous drive in Hawaii runs along the north coast of Maui. Plan a full day and leave by 7 a.m. to beat tour buses. See our Road to Hana guide for what stops are worth it.
12. Haleakala sunrise
Drive to the summit of Haleakala (10,023 feet) in the dark to watch the sun rise above the clouds. It requires a timed-entry reservation booked weeks in advance. See our Haleakala guide for everything you need to know.
13. Iao Valley State Monument
A short hike through lush rainforest to the Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot basalt spire rising from the valley floor. The contrast between this verdant interior and the dry south shore is stark. About 45 minutes from Kihei in central Maui.
14. Ferry to Lanai (day trip)
Expeditions Ferry runs from Lahaina Harbor to Lanai several times daily. The crossing takes about 45 minutes. Lanai has pristine snorkeling at Hulopoe Bay, horseback riding, and a dramatically different pace. A worthwhile day trip that most visitors skip.
15. Attend a free Hawaiian music performance
Local hula performances and Hawaiian music events happen at the Shops at Wailea and various outdoor venues in Kihei throughout the week. Check local event boards at the unit check-in or the Maui News website. These are free, authentic, and far from the packaged luau experience.